Ever ride in a fun auto rickshaw? These 3-wheeled zippy vehicles are common in India. But what if yours gets damaged in an accident? Auto rickshaw insurance can help! It's like a safety net that protects you from paying for repairs if your rickshaw causes an accident, gets stolen, or gets hurt by something else. There are two main types of auto rickshaw insurance: third-party only and comprehensive. This guide will explain what each covers and help you choose the right kind for you.
Why Do You Need Auto Rickshaw Insurance?
Owning an auto rickshaw is a great way to make a living, but accidents and unforeseen events can happen on the road. Auto rickshaw insurance acts like a shield, protecting you from financial setbacks caused by these mishaps. Here's why you should strongly consider getting auto rickshaw insurance:
- Financial Protection: Accidents can damage your rickshaw or injure others. Repair costs and legal liabilities can be expensive. Insurance covers these expenses, saving you a significant amount of money.
- Third-Party Coverage: This is mandatory by law. It ensures financial coverage if your rickshaw causes harm to another person, their property, or another vehicle in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage (Optional but Recommended): This goes beyond third-party coverage and protects your rickshaw from damage caused by theft, fire, natural disasters, riots, and even self-inflicted accidents.
- Business Continuity: Without insurance, a damaged rickshaw can halt your income. Insurance ensures repairs are covered, minimising downtime and keeping your business running smoothly.
- Responsible Ownership: Having valid insurance reflects well on you as a responsible driver and business owner. It shows your passengers that they are valued and that their safety is a priority.
Auto-rickshaw insurance is an investment that safeguards your finances, your rickshaw, and your business. It provides peace of mind and allows you to navigate the roads with confidence.
What is Included and Excluded in Auto Rickshaw Insurance?
Understanding what your auto rickshaw insurance covers and excludes is crucial. Let's break it down:
Included Coverage:
- Loss or Damage Protection: This covers repairs to your auto rickshaw if it's damaged in an accident, fire, theft, natural disasters, or even riots. (Comprehensive Coverage Only)
- Unlimited Third-Party Liability: This mandatory coverage pays for any injuries or death caused to a third party (people or property) if you're responsible for an accident.
- Third-Party Property Damage: This covers damage to someone else's property caused by your rickshaw.
- Personal Accident Cover (Optional): This provides financial assistance to the owner/driver (and, optionally, paid driver/cleaner) in case of injury or death due to an accident.
Excluded Coverage:
- Wear and Tear: Regular wear and tear on your rickshaw is not covered.
- Driving Violations: If you're driving without a valid licence or under the influence of alcohol, damages are not covered.
- War and Riots: Damages caused by war, civil war, or acts of war are excluded.
- Geographical Limits: The policy is only valid within India.
- Consequential Loss: Losses indirectly caused by an insured event (like lost income due to a damaged rickshaw) are not covered.
- Specific Parts: Damage to tyres, tubes, or depreciation due to ageing is not covered.
- Mechanical/Electrical Breakdown: The policy doesn't cover breakdowns due to mechanical or electrical problems.
- Driving Under Influence: Damages caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not covered.
- Overloading: Damage caused by overloading your rickshaw is excluded.
Remember: This is a general overview. Always refer to your specific policy document for the auto rickshaw insurance price list and a complete list of inclusions and exclusions.
How to Claim Auto Rickshaw Insurance: A Step-by-Step Guide
Facing auto rickshaw damage? Don't panic! Here's a step-by-step guide to filing a claim with Royal Sundaram (your chosen insurer) to get things back on track:
- Inform Immediately: Contact Royal Sundaram as soon as possible after the incident. Have your policy details, contact information, and details of the damage ready.
- Hold Off on Repairs: Don't start repairing your rickshaw until a surveyor inspects it.
- Survey Arrangement: Once you file your claim and submit repair estimates, a surveyor will be assigned to assess the damage.
- Gather Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for the surveyor or repairer beforehand. These typically include:
- Duly filled and signed claim form (with Aadhaar and PAN details updated)
- Photocopy and original of your rickshaw's Registration Certificate
- Photocopy and original of the driver's licence (at the time of the accident)
- Photocopy and original of a valid Fitness Certificate
- FIR from the police station (if third-party damage or injury occurred)
- Copy of your PAN card and passport-sized photo (if the claim amount exceeds Rs. 1,00,000)
Note:* Royal Sundaram does not require permits, MVI reports, trip sheets, tax tokens, or postmortem reports.
- Cashless Option: If all documents are in order, Royal Sundaram might offer a cashless repair facility. This means you get your rickshaw repaired at a network garage without upfront payment. You'll just need to complete the auto rickshaw insurance price list as per schedule.
- Reimbursement Claims: For non-cashless claims, you'll need to submit original bills or invoices with cash receipts for settlement.
- Re-inspection: The insurer might request a re-inspection of your rickshaw in some cases.
By following these steps and providing the required documents, you can streamline the auto-rickshaw insurance claim process with Royal Sundaram (or your insurer) and get your rickshaw back on the road sooner.
Why Choose Royal Sundaram for Auto Rickshaw Insurance?
Royal Sundaram's commercial vehicle insurance is designed to cover a variety of passenger-carrying vehicles, including auto-rickshaws. Our policy offers cashless claims for added convenience, making it easier for you in case of an emergency.